Peak Down Pirates Mid-Season Review

After more than 10 years, the Peak Downs Senior Pirates were voted back into the Central Highlands Rugby League competition for 2023. More than halfway through the season, we caught up with Axel Cutts, Treasurer and team member, to hear how things have been going.

It must be great to get out on the field and play competitive football again. How many games have the Pirates played?

After nine rounds we have won three, drawn one and lost four. All three wins came at home which was brilliant. The draw we had was unfortunate as we had travelled 130 kms to Bluff for the game, but only got through 10 minutes of football before their field lights blew!

We also had to forfeit our game against Clermont because our own lights were not working and we were unable to reschedule the game, which was unfortunate. The positives being that we have really only lost three games and that we are matching it with the teams at the top of the table.

Where does that place you for the season so far?

We’re currently sitting 6^th but it could’ve been 4^th if we didn’t have the Bluff draw. We’re holding strong in the middle of the field and building nicely towards finals time.

What’s been the highlight for you?

The support from the people of Tieri! The home crowds have absolutely blown us away. So many people have come down to support us. We were proud to reward them with our first three wins at home.

How are the players doing?

The playing group is doing well. It’s been great bringing the young people of town out of their shell and seeing them mingle more with each other. It’s also good for everyone to get back into training and build their fitness.

How has the Tieri community responded to your comeback?

It’s been the talk of the town the weekend of home games. Everyone looks forward to coming down and cheering the boys along. People at work always stop to ask if a game is on the weekend.

When we last spoke you said that you wanted the sport and games to bring the community together – do you feel this has happened?

Very much so. We’re also trying to get more involved with Peak Down Junior Pirates where we can and they are helping us as well. The community has really got behind us. Even people who don’t really like footy are coming down to the home games to have a beer, catch up with old mates, make new ones and to just be amongst it all.

How can the community get involved with the Pirates?

We’re always looking for more volunteers at our home games! We can’t thank our current volunteers enough as the Pirates wouldn’t exist without them. Most of the players are doing the set up and clean up, so we need more volunteers to assist throughout the night. If anyone is keen to get involved, please contact us via: https://www.facebook.com/peakdownspirates/.

Of course, the best way to get involved is to come and watch us play. We are so grateful to all our supporters for turning up in droves to the games so far. We now have Peak Down Pirates polo shirts, stubby coolers and hoodies available to purchase at home games.

Other ways to get involved are to follow us on Facebook or come and join us for training.

Where and when do you train?

We still train at 6:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday. Because the lights aren’t working currently, the location varies so if people are interested in joining, contact us on the Pirates Facebook page and we will let you know where the training will be happening that week. We still encourage all people to come and join – anyone who wants to build their fitness can attend.

Are you still looking for players?

We’re always looking for people, even though it’s halfway through the season. If you’re not quite sure yet, we encourage you to come to training, try it out and be around the team ready for next year.

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

We hope to finish strong, with some more wins at home and to make the finals for our first year back. If we can take a good crowd of supporters with us to a final, well, who knows what could happen!!

Can you share the details of the upcoming matches?

The Peak Down Senior Pirates Team includes:

Jaiden Amarant, Brandon Barnes, Tyler Barnes, Nick Barry, Riley Brodie, Michael Buckton, Riley Carter, Angus Cutts, Axel Cutts, Hunter Cutts, Ruben Cutts, Torrin Cutts, Tysen-Rose Enness, Tyson Farrar, David Francis, Alex Getley, Darcy Ginns-Larkin, Ben Harney, Zach Hokins, Alex Jacquet, Andre Joubert, Brad Laidlaw, Ben Lewis, Jack Louis, Justin Madden, Joe Olive, Tyler Pickett, Michael Plater, Mitch Reinke, Hoani Riley, Peter Robinson, Fraser Sampson, Jake Sealey, Zach Shanks, Harry Skinner, Spencer Smallacombe,  Brock Smith, Tyson Stenner, Noven Tanedo, Jordan Vogler, Josh Watene, Mciver Watene.